I agree that edges do NOT belong under saddles and am very careful to make sure no pad “ends” under the saddle.
I’m happy to hear it, lots of half pads are too short for the saddles they are used for. however my mentor’s comment related to the sides of the half-pad which will always be under the saddle. Hence my comment about full wool pads.
OK, the half pad may “end” under the flap, but mine doesn’t end under the weight bearing portion of the saddle. Nevertheless, it may be a cause of discomfort that I hadn’t considered.
In the meantime, my barn manager has discovered Premier Equine (not to be confused with Premier Equestrian - a footing supplier). They have pads very similar to Mattes, although not in the custom colors, for under $100US. She has purchased two and they seem very nice. Perhaps a low cost alternative!
I’m not sure I understand the concern about the sides. This is the half pad that I use:
I don’t see how the sides would be under the panels of the saddle. Genuinely trying to understand what the concern is (as the owner of a “princess and the pea” horse) in case I need to make any adjustments!
The leg of the panel at the front of the saddle extends down well below the half-pad at the very least.
I suspect some of the reason Mattes is so popular, and why horses like them, is that they are more careful than some other companies about minimizing bulk in that area.
The picture you shared has trim extending across the entire side which creates a pressure point under the saddle. I have had horses develop white hairs as a result of this pressure.
It’s a good idea to look for similar trim at the bottom of long pads where it would be under the girth. NuuMed is careful to avoid that.
Wouldn’t the saddle have to be exceptionally tight where the arm of the panel comes down?
This is not something I had considered. I know a lot of pads don’t have trim where the girth goes, but that is a point where the tack is tight against the horse.
If your saddle fits then there is even pressure under the entire panel. There should be pressure there, especially when you are in the saddle and your whole body weight is supported by the saddle and your thigh pressing against the horse through the flap.
I knew my horse liked the sheepskin pad - so I always had my saddle fitted with that pad. Without the sheepskin pad, my saddle would’ve been too big for him. But he went best with the too big saddle with the sheepskin pad. Conversely, some horses are going to hate the feeling of the saddle being that far away from their skin.
I also made sure my pad was not compacting over time to screw up my saddle fit.
I just got a mattes pad from Riding Warehouse. It seems likes shedding a bit. Is this normal? Should I wash it once?
Ugh, that’s us! I was so happy to present my boy with a half lined merino saddle pad, and he absolutely hated it. I dunno if it’s the smell or the warmth, but our 1 training with it was a disaster, so I proceeded to sell it.
Yes, I think that’s normal. Had the same issue with my Lemieux merino pad.
I browsed most of this thread and didn’t see this answered: Do the front and rear fleece bumpers on these pads make a difference? I mean just underside sheepskin.
A difference in what?
General fit and effect, etc.
I have ones with the back fleece for saddles that might move a bit more on the saddle pad or for the “look”.
I prefer the ones without for using on multiple saddles, sometimes the saddles are too big and might sit on that extra fleece changing the fit. I like the fleece behind for my jump saddles and without for dressage.
All pads on all saddles on my big shouldered mare slide backwards if not anchored on some way so I like the front roll to keep the pad from doing that. I don’t like the back roll because I have 18 inch saddles, the dressage saddle also has gusseted panels so I need the room back there.
I don’t like a lot of “floof” around my saddle and when I use a Mattes pad I put it under a LeMieux dressage pad so the horse gets get full benefit of the sheepskin on its back. Mine is black with no rolls so it’s not so noticeable, tbh. I have no issues with it moving, it does have this anchor/clip system, but I took it off and don’t use it.
Good point, I use mine under saddle sometimes also and the ones without the back roll are good for that.
I buy underside fleece, and fleece roll in front. No fleece roll in back. My saddles are 18" and inevitably some bit of the gusset ends up sitting on the rear fleece.
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